System and method for elimination of bedwetting behavior

ABSTRACT

A system and method for facilitating the elimination of bedwetting behavior utilizing a number of RF transceivers which include a base unit, an alarm unit, and a remote keypad unit. The method works through programmed sleep interruption based upon a user&#39;s previously established sleep and bedwetting pattern.

CROSS REFERENCE TO CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under Title 35 United States Code§119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/568,099 filed May 4,2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods forbedwetting detection and prevention. The present invention relates morespecifically to a system and method utilizing a remote wireless alarmunit for behavior modification to eliminate bedwetting.

2. Description of the Related Art

The basic bedwetting prevention system utilized in homes, hospitals, andextended care facilities provides a number of essential elementsintended to detect the condition and to transmit and receive a signal toalert either the user and/or the caregiver. Many of the currentlyavailable systems are designed simply to alert a caregiver in order tominimize the time that the user must remain in wet bedding and clothing.Other currently available systems disclose devices designed to wake theuser upon activation of the wetness sensor. The basic existing systemincorporates a fluid sensor, a sensor signal transmitter, and a signalreceiver alarm unit. There is typically a switch which operates todeactivate the system. There is also typically a remote receiverdesigned to alert a parent or a caregiver. In addition, most bedwettingsystems are directed to detection of moisture and dry skin maintenancerather than a behavior modification program to eliminate bedwettingaltogether.

For successful integration of a behavior modification program with abedwetting elimination system, the alarm receiver unit must thoroughlywake the user and the deactivation mechanism must require sufficientalertness to enable reprogramming of the user's sleep patterns andbehavior. Various prior art devices require a simple physical responseto deactivate the alarm such as flipping a switch, but such actions canoften be performed by the user without arousal to the point of mentalconsciousness. Because behavior modification requires alteration ofstimuli/response patterns, optimal reprogramming of sleep and bedwettingpatterns will occur most easily if the user attains a certain minimumlevel of mental consciousness.

Efforts have been made in the past to appropriately rouse the user tofacilitate such learning and training. For the most part these effortshave focused on the loudness of the alarm or the requirement that theuser perform a simple physical motion to deactivate the alarm. Suchsystems clearly suffer from the inability to maintain the associationbetween the bedwetting event and the interruption of sleep over time.This is due to the likelihood of the user learning to perform the simplephysical motion without sufficient mental consciousness to “reprogram”the bedwetting behavior.

Several patents in the prior art disclose systems designed to detectbedwetting and transmit a signal which triggers an alarm at a remotelocation. U.S. Pat. No. 4,800,370 issued to Vetecnik on Jan. 24, 1989entitled WETNESS DETECTION SYSTEM, U.S. Pat. No. 4,271,406 issued toWilson on Jun. 2, 1981 entitled BED WETTING TATTLER, and U.S. Pat. No.6,097,297 issued to Fard on Aug. 1, 2000 entitled WETNESS AWARENESSTRAINING DEVICE teach systems primarily directed to alerting a parent orcaregiver, rather than the individual in the bed, to the bedwettingcondition.

Other prior art patents are designed to detect bedwetting and awaken theuser. Examples of these include U.S. Pat. No. 4,347,503 issued toUyehara on Aug. 31, 1982 entitled BEDWETTING DETECTION DEVICE, U.S. Pat.No. 3,778,570 issued to Shuman on Dec. 11, 1973 entitled ENURESIS BEDPAD, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,317 issued to Bondell et al. on Dec. 24,1991 entitled SYSTEM FOR TREATMENT OF ENURESIS. These inventions detectmoisture and awaken the user. Uyehara teaches a moisture-sensitivedevice which triggers an alarm to awaken the user, whereupon the usermust turn off the device by flipping a switch located on a bedsidecontrol box. Shuman discloses a bed pad with sensor strips that form acircuit when enuresis occurs, resulting in activation of an audibleand/or visual signal to awaken the user. No deactivation process isdisclosed. Bondell et al. describes an interactive computerized trainingsystem which verbally rewards the user. The system includes a wirelessmoisture sensor that is clipped to the underpants of the user as well asa remote alarm deactivation key and a bedside system reset key.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,072,384 issued to Baker on Jun. 6, 2000 entitled BEDWETTING PREVENTION SYSTEM, awakens the user and requires that the userbe at a remote location, such as a bathroom, in order to insert adisc-shaped magnet into a radio assembly housing in order to silence thealarm and reset the system.

While many efforts have been made in the past to provide a system todetect bedwetting behavior, such efforts have generally failed toachieve the goal of training the user to stop bedwetting. It would bedesirable to have a system and method for the elimination of bedwettingbehavior that is based upon the user's bedwetting pattern and whichrequires sufficient interaction by the user for behavior modification tooccur. It would further be desirable that the system be inexpensive tomanufacture and easy to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a systemand method for use in eliminating bedwetting that simplifies thetraining and reprogramming of sleep patterns and behavior. The presentinvention includes components that are directed towards improving themeans by which the system is deactivated without sacrificing the overallsimplicity of the system. The goal is to achieve these improvements insuch a manner that deactivation of the system by the user does notbecome an automatic response, thus bypassing the level of arousalrequired for behavior modification to occur. In addition, rather thanbeing based on the detection of a bedwetting event, the presentinvention is based on the anticipation of such an event through anhistorical awareness of individual bedwetting patterns.

In fulfillment of these and other objectives, the system of the presentinvention provides three structural components: a wireless base unit,wireless remote alarm, and wireless remote keypad. The method of use ofthe present invention requires that the user enter a sequence of codecharacters in order to silence an alarm. The code entry is a complexmental task that ensures that the user is sufficiently alert tounderstand and learn. The code is written down and displayed at a remotelocation, such as the inside of a cabinet door, for easy reference incase the user forgets the code. The specific code is changed every fewdays to require sufficient user cognition and arousal for consciouslearning to occur and to reduce the chance of rote keystroke operation.As discussed in detail below, the present invention has a carefullydesigned program of use which greatly enhances the likelihood ofsuccess.

The structural design of the system of the present invention alsoincludes automatic nightlights to facilitate performance, batteryback-up systems to eliminate interrupted function, and volume controlcircuitry for individualized loudness settings.

The base unit is designed to be located in a caregiver or parent's roomor in a remote location other than the user's room. Specific arousaltimes are entered into this device to provide programmed arousal eventsbased upon the user's established bedwetting pattern. An alarm alertsthe caregiver and a remote signal activates a much louder alarm andnight light in the user's room. This alarm can only be silenced by theuser going into the remote location, i.e., bathroom, and keying in asequence of code characters. The alarm unit also has a volume-controlled“sleep sound” generator to assist the user's return to sleep. The keypadis wireless, operates on a 9-volt battery, and has a backlit numberpanel designed for greater visibility in low lighting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the structural components of the systemfor elimination of bedwetting behavior of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the wireless base unit of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the remote wireless alarm unit of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the remote wireless keypad unit of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5A is a flowchart of the nightly sequence method of use for thebedwetting elimination system of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a flowchart of the overall program method of use for thebedwetting elimination system of the present invention.

FIG. 5C is a table of the time setting modification rules of the methodof the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a blank form daily progress tracking chart for use with thebedwetting elimination system of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a first example of a completed daily progress tracking chartused with the bedwetting elimination system of the present invention.

FIG. 6C is a second example of a completed daily progress tracking chartfor use with the bedwetting elimination system of the present invention.

FIG. 6D is a third example of a completed daily progress tracking chartfor use with the bedwetting elimination system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is made first to FIG. 1 for a general description of thestructural components of the system for elimination of bedwettingbehavior of the present invention. These components include the baseunit, alarm unit, and keypad unit. The base unit hardware 12 for thebedwetting elimination system 10 is positioned in the parent orcaregiver's room 22 next to the bed 24. The alarm unit 14 is located inthe user's room 18, next to the user's bed 20. The keypad unit 16 ispositioned in the bathroom 26 at a convenient mounting location 28. Thecode is also written down at a readily accessible code display reminderlocation 30.

Base unit 12, alarm unit 14, and keypad unit 16, each comprise low powerradio frequency (RF) transceivers. Short distance, wireless signalcommunications occur between the base unit 12 and the alarm unit 14 asdirected by the programmed timing in the base unit 12. Keypad unit 16 iscapable of transmitting an alarm de-activation signal back to both baseunit 12 and alarm unit 14. In an alternative embodiment, communicationbetween these units may occur through a wired communication network.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2 for a more detailed description of baseunit 12 of the present invention. As described above, base unit 12 isdesigned to be located in the caregiver or parent's room 22 or in aremote location other than the user's room 18. The unit 12 allows theentry of at least six programmable time settings which are entered afterdeveloping the user's bedwetting behavior pattern. An automatic nightlight 34 turns on at the programmed alarm times and has a manual on/offswitch 36. The base unit 12 utilizes 12 VDC through an AC adaptor 38from the standard 110 VAC household current, with a 9-volt batteryback-up system for use in the event of power failure. The unit has aninternal alarm to awaken the caregiver. This alarm may have a volumecontrol and an on/off switch (not shown). Indicator lights 44 show thepower status of the unit (main power and 9V backup). The unit alsofunctions as an LCD clock through LCD display 40 as is well known in theart. A DIP switch 33 is positioned on base unit 12 to allow userselection of a code number for communication between the units in thesystem. The alarm timing functions of base unit 12, which are selectablethrough rotary switch/selector knob 42, allow specific alarm/arousaltimes to be entered into the device, based upon the user's existingbedwetting behavior pattern. At these pre-set times, an alarm isactivated in the base unit 12, thus alerting the caregiver, while at thesame time sending an RF signal to the alarm unit 14 in the user's room18. This signal activates a much louder alarm and night light in thealarm unit 14 in order to arouse the user.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3 for a more detailed description of theremote wireless alarm unit 14 of the present invention. The remote alarmunit 14 is designed to be placed in the user's room 18 (FIG. 1). Uponactivation by the base unit 12, as described above, the alarm unit 14automatically turns on a night light 46 and emits a very loud alarmdesigned to awaken even the soundest of sleepers. The alarm can only besilenced by going into the remote location, i.e., bathroom 26 (FIG. 1),where the keypad unit 16 is installed.

The automatic night light 46 assists the user in seeing the path to thebathroom. The night light 46 may be manually controlled through on/offswitch 48 such that the user can turn it off before returning to bed.Indicator lights 52 show the alarm status and the power status of thealarm unit. The alarm unit 14 also has a built-in “sleep sound”generator with volume control 50 and tone selection knob 54 that goes onfor ten minutes after the night light 46 is turned off.

The alarm unit 14 may be attached to the wall of the user's room 18 by aVelcro®-type material and utilizes 12 VDC through an AC adaptor 55 fromthe standard 110 VAC household current power supply, with a 9-voltbattery back-up in case of a power failure. The alarm unit 14 alsoincorporates a recessed (set screw) alarm volume control 51 in arelatively less accessible location on the back of the unit. A DIPswitch 53 is likewise provided to allow user selection of a code numberto facilitate communication between the units in the system.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the remote wireless keypad unit 16 of thepresent invention is designed so that the user must enter a sequence ofcode characters into keypad 58 to silence the alarms in both the remotealarm unit 14 and the base unit 12. Silencing of the alarm at the baseunit 12 notifies the caregiver that the user has successfully enteredthe code at the remote keypad unit 16. This procedure ensures that theuser is sufficiently awake to use the bathroom. In the preferredembodiment, the keypad unit 16 operates only through a 9-volt batterysupply in order to minimize the possibility of electrical accident in awet location, i.e., bathroom. The number panel of the keypad 58 isbacklit in order to provide the user greater visibility without havingto turn on a bright light in the bathroom 26 to silence the alarm. Thebacklighting is activated and deactivated with the alarm. The keypadunit 16 is attached to a mounting location 28 on the bathroom wall ormirror with a Velcro-type material. Power and alarm status indicators 57are also provided on keypad unit 16. A DIP switch 63 is likewiseprovided on the unit as with the remote alarm unit 14 and the base unit12.

The keypad unit 16 also provides the means whereby the alarmdeactivation code may be programmed or reprogrammed into the system andis capable of communicating the code between all units in the system.Key selection programming as is well known in the art may be used toaccomplish this function.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A and 5B which provide flowcharts of themethod of use for the bedwetting elimination system of the presentinvention. The method illustrated in FIG. 5A depicts the specificsequence of steps which occur on a nightly basis during the use of thesystem. FIG. 5B illustrates the sequence of steps for the overallprogram of behavior modification which is directed to reprogramming theuser's sleep patterns and bedwetting behavior. If the user is currentlyusing moisture sensing undergarments, the caregiver may already be awareof the user's bedwetting pattern. If so, the times coinciding with theuser's pattern of bedwetting may be entered into the base unit 12 (step92). If a bedwetting pattern has not been established, it is recommendedthat the user continue to use moisture resistant clothing. This periodof time for continued use of moisture resistant clothing should notexceed one week.

The nightly sequence is initiated (step 70) by programming the arousaltime(s) into the base unit (step 72). As the timer/clock in the baseunit progresses to each programmed time, an alarm signal is transmittedto the alarm unit (step 74). This signal is received at the alarm unitand the alarm is activated (step 76). The user is required to go to thekeypad unit and enter the code character sequence (step 78). On acorrect code entry, the keypad unit transmits a deactivation signal tothe alarm unit (and the base unit) (step 80). If this was the lastprogrammed arousal time (step 82) the routine ends with a record of thenights events (step 83) as described in FIGS. 6A–6D, which terminatesthe nightly sequence (step 84). If further arousal times are programmed(step 82) the process returns to step 74 to continue the nightlysequence.

The user must have a strict bedtime schedule and stick with thisschedule throughout the training program. This is to include weekendsand holidays, during which time the bedtime may be later, but thescheduled waking pattern must be maintained. The scheduled morningwakeup time should be established with a sleeping schedule not to exceedeight hours.

No fluid intake should be allowed three hours before bedtime. The usermay ingest a couple of ice cubes if absolutely necessary. Use of thebathroom prior to bedtime is critical in developing the user'sbedwetting pattern. For the first two weeks of the program, thecaregiver should awaken to assist the user with wakening andunderstanding the importance of using the bathroom and the keypadprocedure for silencing the alarm. During the first two weeks, it isalso crucial that the caregiver keep an accurate daily log (step 83).FIGS. 6A–6D illustrate sample daily progress tracking charts which areutilized to establish the user's sleeping and bedwetting pattern. Asshown in FIGS. 6A–6D, the chart includes the bedtime and wake-up timesplus general and specific details regarding the events of the evening,such as the degree of assistance from the caregiver.

The program starts the first night with a first wake up alarm two hoursafter bedtime regardless of whether the user fell asleep or not in thattime frame. If the user is wet in the morning but not at the first wakeup time, the first wake up is extended to three hours after bedtime(steps 96 and 98). This procedure is continued until the bedwettingpattern is established and programmed into the system (step 94). Theobjective is to limit the number of awakenings to once per night and nomore than twice. This is accomplished by developing a schedule basedupon individual bedwetting patterns.

FIG. 5B summarizes the overall program methodology. The program isinitiated (step 90), as described above, by establishing a userbedwetting pattern (step 92). Based on this pattern, the parent orcaregiver programs the appropriate arousal times and operates thenightly sequence (step 94). If the arousal times remain appropriate(step 96) then the programmed arousal times are maintained (step 100).If not (step 96), a modification of the arousal time(s) is made (step98) (according to the modification rules shown in FIG. 5C) andprogrammed (step 94) into the base unit. Alarm volume is progressivelyreduced through multiple nightly sequences (step 102). If a two week(preferred) program time period has elapsed (step 103) the nightlysequences are terminated (step 104). If not, or if consistent “dryarousal” events do not occur, the program is continued by a return tostep 94.

Key to the success of this bedwetting elimination program is the user'sdesire to eliminate the bedwetting and to take responsibility for his orher behavior. The user must understand that the program is for theirbenefit and that they must be a part of the solution and really want tocontrol or eliminate the problem. During the initial establishment ofthe program, dry clothing and bedding must be readily available for useduring the night in order to minimize disturbance of sleep time. Aplastic bag should be available to hold wet garments and bedding duringthe night. In the morning, the user should be required to launder theirclothes and bedding.

In the event that the user cannot remember the character code sequence,a secondary code location should be established in the bathroom wherebythe code is written down and accessible. The caregiver should not assistthe user beyond waking up. The user must enter the code himself andremember where the code is written down if he forgets the code.

For certain users, the alarm may have to be set at a very loud level toensure that the user is awakened. Although this may waken otherindividuals in the house, such inconvenience should be tolerated.Objections and non-support will only lengthen the timeline of theprogram or force the user to suspend the implementation of the program.

The multi-character code should be changed every three days to ensurethat the user awakens to the point of mental consciousness. Forgettingthe code is acceptable as long as the written code is available at abackup location. A night light in the bathroom is therefore arequirement of the program. It is also important to provide for agradual decrease in the volume of the alarm (step 102). If after a twoweek period of time the program appears to be successful (step 103), thenightly sequences may be terminated (step 104). If some uncertainty asto success remains, the program may be continued (step 94).

Although the present invention has been described in terms of theforegoing preferred embodiments, this description has been provided byway of explanation only, and is not intended to be construed as alimitation of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognizemodifications of the present invention that might accommodate specificindividuals. Such modifications as to implementation details do notdepart from the spirit and scope of the invention which is furtherdefined by the following claims.

1. A system for use in facilitating the elimination of bedwettingbehavior, said system comprising: a base unit having a clock/timer andmeans for programming scheduled arousal times based upon an establisheduser's bedwetting pattern, said base unit further comprising means fortransmitting a radio signal at said arousal times, a remote alarm unitfor receiving said radio signal and activating an alarm for arousal ofthe user, and a remote keypad unit positioned in a location remote fromthe user for deactivation of said alarm, wherein said user must enter aspecified sequence of characters in order to deactivate said alarm.
 2. Amethod for facilitating the elimination of bedwetting behavior of auser, said method comprising the steps of: establishing arousal timescoinciding with the bedwetting pattern of the user; awaking said user byan alarm at said arousal times; requiring said user to go to a remotelocation in order to deactivate said alarm, said user being required toenter a specified sequence of characters on a remote keypad in order todeactivate said alarm.